I attended the DPSST unarmed security course and the instructor, Logan Nichols, was very professional, clear, and a great teacher all around. The course itself was 14 hours over two days including breaks every hour including one hour for lunch for each day. During the course you'll receive everything you need to enter the world of private security including a hundred page manual which the instructor will go over with you and answer any questions you have. The course is finished with a fifty question test that is open note, but if you pay attention in class and write down what you need, consulting notes on the test will only slow you down. Seriously, I'm a terrible test taker but I scored around 95%. The hardest part is the second day where you'll start to feel training fatigue but it's nothing a little coffee and a vape/cigarette can't fix. At the very end of the course you'll get all the paper work you need for submission to obtain your license. The owner, Donovan Beard, will also help answer any questions you have. Mr. Beard sat in for most of our training, though I think this was mostly for Mr. Nichols' benefit since he is a newer instructor. Surprising since it doesn't show. Anyway, 5/5. You'll have your license in no time. read more

Great folks to work with, only wish I had signed up sooner. Tactical hand gun 1 class was a blast, yet very educational. Patrick M, our instructor, has the rare ability of instilling a confidence of yes you can do this as we went through the drills. I highly recommend DFI. JOHN E read more

Getting ready to send my baby girl off to live in the dorms at university, away from home for the first time. Lately, she has felt a bit uneasy (as have her parents). Her father and I thoroughly researched the whole pepper spray scene. We all know of people who have their canisters and have simply taken an online or youtube class. That was not thorough enough for us. A 4-hour class was only $100, very well worth it. I got to watch, and my daughter was able to practice and hear of real-life scenarios from an expert who has been in numerous situations. She walked out of there today feeling very empowered. Like me, she may never have to use the spray in her entire life. But she feels that she has been well informed and prepared for so much more than she'd imagined. (She has watched some of the videos and say they don't prepare her as thoroughly as the class did.) We are going back to take the self-defense class together. read more

Great instructors, provide great training and good experience. Definitely recommend. ​

Very comprehensive CHL class! Great info for beginners and advanced folks alike. I was already very comfortable with most material, but was more interested in the applicable laws and responsibilities for CHL holders. It was covered well!! Tons of other info to absorb. I highly recommend DFI! read more

Great class for a beginner or someone wanting safety review. A lot of information in half a day. Practiced with Dummy bullets most the time, last hour real bullets. Small class, 11 students and 2 instructors. Plenty of one on one help. Never had to wait to get help. A beginner should feel comfortable asking questions or for help. Beautiful outdoor shooting range. Instructors have a lot of experience and knowledge. Highly recommended read more

***Click on the banner below that says reviews not used or recommended. ***Read it! My info is real and factual. Beard was a total blow hard and only emphasized his personal accomplishments which I believe are overly misquoted. ***His personal bio implies he himself was a federal contractor. He was not. He worked for a company that provided federal security officers. He states he was in charge of protecting federal judges. He was not. He only supervised one federal guard doing that for a few months and not as long as two years. His statement about supervising state wide is an absolute false statement. My other comments explain he only supervised from Medford to Albany and that was it.....AND for not very long until he was... discharged!! I would also say his quote of doing the job for 24 months is most likely wrong. If it was 23 months that is not two years. If you say something that much about yourself, say it all, including the missing facts. His words drool with self loving, but those words are all about him and reek of hot air. read more

I enrolled in the unarmed security guard training program. I have renewed my license several times. The training I received at DFI as the most thorough and provided the most in-depth information. The class was taught by two instructors who presented pertinent details but made the class enjoyable with their illustrations. There is no finer place to receive your security guard training than at DFI. I planned on taking my conceal carry class with them as well. Patrick read more

Avoid the place at all costs. As soon as I walked in, Jim, the "minority owner", as he will tell you multiple times, insulted and belittled me for having military experience after they asked us what our expeirience level was I didn't even mention that I am a combat vet that has served multiple times overseas. The hand gun class was poorly put together. Justin the instructor, whom had great customer service, stated that he had very little experience with firearms. I would suggest going to a facility that is professional and knowledgable about proper firearm safety, handling, and procedures. If I didn't already have weapons experinece I would have walked out not learning a thing. I would suggest going to a facility where you might learn the proper information for your concealed carry cert. read more

We were new to shooting handgun firearms and took both the handgun safety training and concealed carry class through D-Fai. These guys are uh-mazing. I had fired my handgun only twice previously, and was not very good. After only a few instructions from the guys, I took my first shots and was dead on! I shot so well all day; I shot better than my husband- whose been hunting for over thirty years. I owe it all to the instructors personal attention and clear instruction! I simply can't stress enough how informative they are. I didn't learn a single thing all day that I'd already known...which is really saying something. I highly recommend these instrutors- if you're a newbie OR an oldie. I am taking both of our daughters to their Self Defense Class this month and expect to learn even more. read more

Excellent instruction; clear, comprehensive and professional. Every gun owner should take this course.

Donovan Beard is the man. If you're looking for any firearm training or security certification, or security consulting, Defensive Firearms instruction is the place to go. I've taken five different courses over the past year to become trained in various security industry certifications. I plan on taking more. Donovan is an excellent instructor who cares about his students immensely. If you're naturally excelling, he will push you further. If you're lagging behind, he will slow down and help you get it right. I cannot say enough good things about his classes. From the quality of instruction to the affordable prices, he is the best security instructor in the state of Oregon for professionals, novices and civilians alike. read more

We wanted a home defense class, but did not want to be intimidated as neophytes. My wife and I have never shot a pistol before. Our instructor (Donovan) structured a course to fit our needs. He was patient (very patient) with us and made sure we were doing everything right. He was very professional, knowledgeable and answered all our questions. D-FAI uses a building block system of learning and doing. We had mini-lectures on stances and grips; loading, unloading, jams and cleaning; tactics; legal issues; dealing with authorities; and much, much more interspersed with shooting sessions practicing and perfecting various techniques. Our confidence to handle any home defense situation skyrocketed . Just owning a pistol is not enough. If you don't know M.I.O., you need any course from D-FAI. You don't know what you don't know! Kathleen & Dick D. Eugene, Oregon read more

This company does an outstanding job in training for safe and defensive handgun operation. The list of offerings from handgun instruction to ASP and tactical shotgun, carbine and armed security, I highly recommend DFI to anyone wanting to be a safe and dependable firearm carrier. Most regarded. read more

I recently attended the unarmed/armed classes for future security employment and was 100% impressed with the training and education I received from Donovan and his trained staff. The information was not only helpful for security but home self defense as well in regards to decision making, level of force and ethical situations. He is an excellent trainer on the qualification range and I improved my confidence and shooting skills tremendously. I also elected to take the baton and handcuff training and felt that Donovan excelled in his teaching and application of these classes. Anxious for more classes in the future!!! Thanks Donovan!! read more

Good tactical and marksmanship training must include constant observation and immediate feedback. That's pretty hard to deliver without creating some stress. It also requires a high ratio of trainers to students. Donovan Beard has developed what appears to be the perfect program delivered by the perfect team (Tactical Handgun I). The Instructional team has a combination of experience, competence, passion and compassion/freindliness that provides a great experience for every student. Their passion and compassion are obvious from begining to end. Donovan also understands and addresses psychology and other important issues that are missing in other programs. There is clear influence from the Incident Command System (ICS) that experienced First Responders are likely to recognize and appreciate. The class (Tactical Handgun I) is ideal for novices hoping to gain safe tactical and marksmanship skills for home defense and concealed carry. But, it is also perfect for experienced Law Enforcement Officers who want reinforce and improve their skills. read more